Police uncover meth lab in Townsend

The Delaware State Police Drug Task Force have arrested three people after troopers discovered a Methamphetamine (Meth) manufacturing operation in their house.

Troopers responded Friday at approximately 3:30 p.m. to a residence in the 100 block of Blackbird Forest Road in Townsend to assist the Delaware Division of Family Services to check on the welfare of a 6-year-old child that resided in the house, after reports were received of ongoing drug activity within the residence.

After Troopers arrived, they discovered the indications of methamphetamine manufacturing inside of the house, and debris and waste material of the manufacturing process within large trash piles on the exterior of the house. After further investigation and the execution of a search warrant, Delaware State Police Drug Task Force members located equipment and component mixtures of the manufacturing stages of Meth, along with key ingredients in making the drug.

Robert E. Coburn III, 29, of Smyrna, and Spring L. Slater, 27, of Townsend, were taken into custody at the residence without incident and charged with manufacturing of Methamphetamine, conspiracy second degree, endangering the welfare of a child, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Coburn was committed to Howard R. Young Correctional Institute on $11,750 secured bond. Slater was committed to Baylor Women's Correctional Institute on $11,750 secured bond. Slater's 6-year-old son was removed from the residence by DFS and later placed with family members.

Police said it was discovered through further investigation and interviews that Richard J. Taylor, 30, also of Townsend was also linked to the Meth manufacturing operation. Taylor is currently incarcerated at James T. Vaughn Correctional Facility on charges unrelated to this investigation, with formal charges related to this investigation of manufacturing of Methamphetamine, conspiracy second degree, endangering the welfare of a child, and possession of drug paraphernalia pending.

Troopers were assisted by the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control and the New Castle County Volunteer Firefighter HAZMAT/DECON Team consisting of the Five Points, Cranston Heights, and Elsmere Fire Companies, during the dismantling of the Meth lab, and the cleanup and mitigation process to clear the large amount of debris and waste which are byproducts of the manufacturing process. The Townsend, Odessa, and Middletown Fire Companies also assisted in the cleanup operation.

No evacuations were ordered as it was determined that there was no immediate hazard to nearby residents. Blackbird Forest Road was closed between Massey Church Road and US 13 during the incident while the investigation and cleanup were conducted. The investigation into this incident continues.

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